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Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Need a wardrobe reset!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I would love some assistance and thoughts and I'm going to pack two problems into one post.

First, I've just done my spring closet edit. I'd actually have liked to have removed more than I did, but I began to worry that I was getting rid of things I might need. This isn't my entire spring wardrobe -- I have a few items that should be in custom finds but are not. I have a faded denim jacket, a navy tube skirt, a casual navy sleeveless knit shift dress, a Kamalikulture jersey sheath, a few more tops, and a bag or two. But this is pretty much it.

Some of these items are spring only (so I will use for the next month or so) and some are summer only. Right now, I'm feeling as if I have a hodge-podge of stuff that makes very few interesting outfits. https://youlookfab.com/finds/c.....ction=5782

I do have some crossover items which are in the main wardrobe as well:

I need a wardrobe refresh/ reset, but I am not sure where to begin! (Apart from footwear, which is a definite need -- I had to let go of 5 pairs of worn out summer shoes, so need to replace at least a few of these.) I feel as if I need a conceptual direction or something to guide my shopping and thinking.

Meanwhile, this weekend I have to co-facilitate a conference in the city. I am moderating a panel and need to look professional. My fallback is always my navy blazer so I will wear that, no doubt. But I can't wear it for the whole weekend. And I need to partner it with something.

And, just to complicate matters, I go directly from this conference to Vancouver for several weeks. So I will need to pack, and I don't know what I should bring! I will be mostly casual on that part of the trip but I will have a few "date night" events -- nice restaurants, probably.

The good news is that I will have lots of time for big-city shopping while I am there. I intend to bring my larger suitcase and shop.

Dressing

57 replies

Latest reply was from delurked

Jenni NZ

Veteran

Right, just drinking coffee before getting ready for work so this is a first quick impression. I love that printed blouse best ( Chypre or something?) as it has a wow factor. Could that go with your navy blazer or with the lovely tweed Chanelesque jacket? I would think any presenter looked amazing in that.
For the rest of it, the red pants and the two military type jackets look statement-y, but otherwise I am not sure there are enough statements for you? See what I've learned on YLF?

SarahD8

Veteran

Suz, reporting in as a member of Team Color here. You've got a gorgeous and very tightly edited selection of high-quality items -- brava. What I notice is that the color palette is very narrow. I realize that these are your signature colors. But I wonder if you are missing a little contrast, a little pop? Maybe there is a color you're drawn to this season that you could assemble into a little complement, maybe even accessories only (since you have to do some shoe shopping anyway) and that would provide some oomph?

Runcarla

Veteran

Suz, you seem to have a good cohesive collection of items with excellent mix and match potential and a nice balance of classic and trendy items. Pack red, white, and blue (light and dark) as well as silver - but keep your eyes open for new items in one or two NEW colours that suit YOU and that can mix into your wardrobe in a modern way. I'm thinking that light lilac would work with your colouring, is on trend (and available), would certainly work with your blues and whites and would 'clash' in a modern way with your reds. I don't think yellow, but maybe lime? Great with navy and white.

Audition the colour(s) with a few items - a T or light sweater, a small bag in a trendy shape (round), a pattern (scarf, skirt). FWIW, it seems like you need something discordant to shake things up.

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Toban

Veteran

Jeans go everywhere in Vancouver and you’ll always need a topper or jacket.

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

I was going to suggest something along the lines of what Carla said: add some trendy color or pattern to the mix, plus a new pair of shoes and bag. Everything you have looks like it mixes well with everything else, and it would be easy to choose a travel capsule, but it would be fun to add some new directions. Pink and red together are fun.

Sal

Veteran

I would wear your star navy jacket this weekend. Stick to a known winner!!

Time to shop in Vancouver sounds fun! I think some new trendy flats - there are heaps of styles at the moment that are fun yet practical. And a complement of a new colour. Maybe lilac but I tend to teal or raspberry. A dress always perks me up - an easy new outfit in one!

Have a great trip and good luck with the presentation.

Roxanna

Veteran

Suz - you have a tight, cohesive collection here, which is amazing as everything goes with everything. But as others have said, maybe you need to add in a new-to-you element to shake things up a bit and make it feel fresh?

Maybe revisiting your style moniker and style descriptors might be a good place you start as you get ready to shop. How do you want to look and feel this spring? What do you need to add/subtract to your current collection to feel that way? And could you remix i adventurous ways to make that happen?

Roxanna

Veteran

Also, the BR denim blazer Angie recommended might be perfect for you as it's dressy enough for professional settings but transitions easily to casual, and it goes so well in your colour palette.

Helena

Veteran

I don't think I can add much but piping it to say your wardrobe is fantastic!! I agree with others that you may just need a tweak ... A few fresh colors perhaps, as suggested ... Rather than a reset.
Also, I would suggest that you actually COULD get away with your navy blazer for more than one day, by switching you tops and pants. But that's a personal comfort thing
Looking forward to seeing what your shopping results in!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Thanks, all. Jenni, you might be right about statements. I'm not too sure. I tend not to wear my statements! I have a fairly classic style, I guess. The Aritzia print blouse is a lovely piece and would work under the blazer if I semi-tucked it, which I've never tried. I can do a try-on with that.

Sarah, Lisa, Carla, Sal, I will look for a colour to add...maybe. I do love colour, but hesitate to branch out too far...it will have to be a complement if I do it so I don't wind up with orphans. Lilac would be good but I might struggle for just the right tone. It needs to be a fairly bright mid-tone lilac, not a soft light one -- that washes me out. I love lilac with red, so that would be fun. I love raspberry, too, Sal, and it's one of my best colours. Also fuchsia Another total favourite.

I think I need to think in terms of outfits and maybe a particular look that I am after.

Here I am realizing an issue -- I don't really have a good wardrobe for transitional (temperate) weather!! I guess I've worked so hard to learn to dress for my own climate that I'm really thin on the ground with stuff you can wear when the weather is around 65 to 75 F or 15-22C. My dressier items are either summer or winter weight. And even my casual wardrobe is a bit lacking for mid-range temperatures.

I do have several trench coats, a utility coat, some cotton sweaters/ tops, scarves, etc. I won't forget those, Toban! Plus jeans and sneakers. So for my casual days in Vancouver I should be all right -- it won't be exciting but it will be serviceable. I won't have a thing to wear for going out, except my nice blazer and a silk blouse with jeans.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

TG, yes, I'd be okay wearing my blazer more than one day with different tops if need be. And I'll probably do so. I only have to present one of the days so don't need to be as dressy the other times.

Roxanna, I was tempted by that jacket but decided it wasn't right for my lifestyle. I'm usually wearing jeans on the bottom. I could wear it with white jeans, true...but I think it's sold out in my size anyway....

I think you're right that I need to revisit my style descriptors and consider how I want to look and feel. I think this is quite overdue, in fact, which is part of the reason for my feeling that something needs re-setting.

Also, the weather thing. That's always the core of my woes, right?

Anonymous

Nothing more to add on wardrobe since I think others are a whole lot wiser than I.
I just want to wish you well with your conference and your later trip to Vancouver ( ah fond memories) and have a fun and successful shopping expedition.

jussie

Veteran

I feel like you could do with a couple more light jackets and scarves. Also what about a pin or brooch for your blazer on one of the days?
Also I think you could do with another dress or two and a couple of print skirts.
One or two pairs of trendy shoes...
And then your wardrobe would be SUPER duper.
I really like a lot of your pieces btw- and think your starting from such a great base.
Can’t wait to see what you come up with :).
With light jackets I’m thinking a lightweight cropped blazer in a bright springy colour..... coral, citron, lime, or if you don’t want to branch away from the cool colour spectrum what about duck egg blue or blush?

Anonymous

I'm always blown away by how great your wardrobe is , never mind the fact that you have it all in finds. Is the second link pieces you own too? I'm even more amazed! And laughing at the huge tube of concealer

I have no suggestions - my own spring wardrobe is a gong show. But I really like Carla's suggestions, and can't but think a good jolt of trendy colour would be fantastic , and I'm agreeing with lime, or lilac.

Question for you: I see your red BR military jacket and wonder what you're doing with it lately. Can you believe I have not worn mine even ONCE? I actually keep forgetting I own it, because red is such a not-me colour that I don't think about it and yearn to wear it. I really can't figure out why I even bought it. I have a pretty grey cami I bought with it, but cannot figure out what to wear on the bottom other than black! Although Lisa's lilac/red/pink combo this morning gave me a couple of ideas....

I'll be in Vancouver on the 7th and 8th , coincidentally. Haven't even thought about what I'll wear . Gah.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Lisa, I love Lisa's combination - it's gorgeous! I fear that jacket will be too warm in not too long. And therein lies a problem. I am wondering if it makes sense to take it on my trip -- it might be the only chance I have to wear it again this year! I have only worn it twice -- once to a holiday party, when I wore it with my plaid pants, and once to lunch with a friend on New Year's Day when I wore it with blush. I really liked that effect. I would wear with jeans, too.

The other link is to stuff I own, yes. It includes the fall/ winter stuff. I still have a few items that are not in Custom Finds. One of these days I'll get my act together and complete that. It's helpful to have it all available.

Jussie, thank you. I do have more scarves, but not in Finds. I should put them there! I'm afraid to buy more toppers because in my climate I hardly need them and I already have a lot! But I'm also always tempted to buy them because I adore them. I would stay with cool colours -- yellow and lime and coral don't look good on me. The warmest I can go is true red. After that, it's downhill all the way! Blush is hit and miss and mostly miss on me -- though for accessories it would work.

I definitely need new footwear. Mostly sandals for my own climate, but in Vancouver it would be nice to have a closed shoe that is a bit dressier than a sneaker. Unfortunately, I can't wear slip ons and flats are problematic. I need at least a 3/4 inch heel but prefer 1.5 inch to 2 inch.

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Christina F.

Veteran

This is how I felt last year! I think I went a little too far in a new direction then, but I have the building blocks now to edit down a bit and make sure things are polished enough to suit my current mood.

Working on the style adjectives seems like a good start, as does footwear. I agree with other above that adding lilac seems good, like it would work well with your coloring. Since you are starting from scratch and going to a place with lots of shopping, it seems like a good opportunity to browse, try things on just for the sake of it, and see what kind of pieces appeal to you. Then you may figure out what you're craving (aside from warmer weather).

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Suz, once you move to "my side" you'll need a HUGE transitional wardrobe - although you have the booties covered

Question: Are the items in the second collection in your wardrobe or merely potential purchases you've got your eye on?

You have FABULOUS items, Suz. All very "you" and I could spot it a mile off. WELL DONE.

Straight off the bat, I do see holes that are preventing you from creating enough COMPLETE outfits. FWIW, here's my two cents:

a lot of your tops look great on their own - a blessing in hot weather - but do not necessarily work as well under jackets. A transitional hole.

you need more interesting jackets to wear over layered tops - (and the RIGHT marriage of layer and topper is important). You don't like the red military jacket as much as you thought you would, so pop it in a holding zone. I love it on you, though!

You need a tube skirt refresh

Add more dresses while the going is good

Patterned jeans/pants

Utility pants or dressy chinos to wear with dressier heeled sandals or booties

LONG tunics that look like dresses to wear over cropped straights and booties

To create these types of looks:

Outfit formula: white jeans/culottes + layering top + blazer + dressy shoes + accessorized YOUR way

Outfit formula: dress + jacket + dressy shoes + accessorized YOUR way

Outfit formula: refreshed skirt style + layering top + denim jacket + accessorized YOUR way

Outfit formula: utility pants + pretty blouse (which you have plenty of!) + belt + heeled sandals + accessorized YOUR way

Outfit formula:Tunics (as long as a dress) + cropped straights + heeled booties + accessorized YOUR way. (See pic for inspiration but without the flounces that are not your look and drive you crazy).

**Humbug Gospel Dress by Boutique

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Anonymous

I like that last picture with the red jacket, thanks for sharing it. Animal print top , and navy or black bottoms? And I agree that the jacket will be too warm soon - if not already. I'm a little annoyed at myself for dropping the ball on this one. A blush top is a good idea too , thank you.

Have you had fun wearing those great new loafers ? (the mismatched embroidered ones? - can't remember the brand and I'll lose my typing if I click back now) What have you worn those with? Sorry - I'm totally off-topic with my questions .

Anonymous

Why do you think you need new footwear? I see 3 pair of new mules alone, and some great red suede sandals....

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Angie, good call. I thought I was linking to my Wardrobe but it links to all my Finds -- so no, I don't own all the pieces in the second link -- a person needs to look at my Wardrobe for that, I guess.

And you're right -- I'm going to have to do some major purchasing when I move. In a way, this is a good reason to shop in Vancouver, since I will also be there next spring. I know I'll get 2 seasons of use from whatever I buy.

You're also right about the booties!

I think you're right about tops, too. I remember I wanted to get those Ann Taylor slightly cropped knit tops you got last year but they were sold out. I definitely could use some light coloured lightweight knitwear.

Interesting jackets -- hmmmm. Okay. I do like the red military jacket but it's a bit "costumey." It's also a bit heavy weight -- more of a winter item for me.

I do need a tube skirt refresh and wonder what style to switch to. The accordion pleat experiment last year was a fail. I notice that Brooklyn got some interesting A-line skirts as a tube skirt update. That would necessitate new tops, too, I think...

I do think more dresses is a great idea. I'll need to hunt.

Patterned pants and maybe chinos or denim in another colour also sound smart.

Long tunics, hmm? Well....we'll see....

Suz

(website)

Veteran

LisaP, ha -- I was wrong about the link! I don't own all that stuff! I thought it linked to my wardrobe but it actually links to all my Finds. So I don't own any mules or loafers!!

I'm still glad I bought the jacket because it's good for presentations -- actually, now that I think of it, I might bring it and wear it for the presentation I am giving because Evany Rosen is one of the guests and she has a chapter about military history in her book. It would be fun to do!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Suz, YES. You and me both. Those AT cropped pullovers are THREE years old. The navy bit the dust, but the two whites are still going strong. I wish I had them in four colours.

We are back to :

- transitional jackets with the right tops, a skirt refresh (knitted asymmetrical), a few dresses, patterned pants, dressy chinos, and Summer footwear

And maybe a TUINIC!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Christina, that is interesting about your own refresh. I think I'm realizing that I bought a lot of stuff 3 to 5 years ago so it is mostly gone now and while I did replace/ upgrade some of it, I'm ready for a change and not really sure how to effect that.

LaPed

Veteran

The hole that stands out most to me is footwear -- something in between sneakers and dressy heels/heeled sandals. I know you have good bootie options that aren't shown here, but I imagine you're feeling pretty done with boot silhouettes at this point in the year.

I wonder if this might be an opportunity to build a complement in a new colour: a shoe/belt/bag combo in, I dunno, red? navy? blush? I do think you would do well to add a closed-toe shoe that is not a sneaker. Maybe oxfords, low-heeled ankle-strap pump, a t-strap or mary-jane? I know loafers, mules and ballet flats are all tricky to fit...

I love the idea of lilac/lavender for you; it seems like it would integrate so easily. Also, what about patterned or colourful denim? Or maybe colourful chinos? Might be an easy way to add a less-that-perfect pastel colour and keep it away from your face.

greycat6

Veteran

I have found olive colored pants and accessories to be very useful addition to my wardrobe, especially during transitional times. My wardrobe, much like yours, is primarily blues and berry tones with black, white and gray as neutrals. Olive works with all of these.

Olive is NOT AT ALL a good color for my skin tone BUT as long as it isn't next to my face and paired with a top that is more complimentary I can get away with it.

Good luck!

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gryffin

Veteran

Suz - I was also going to suggest interesting blazers - particularly in navy/ink. Like Angie's ink boden blazer. Something that is a little special but can act as a neutral. Also tops for under blazers are difficult. I would know because I've been hunting although you have some lovely prints. I'm going to be the spanner and say too much color can be difficult to work with. Cohesion and theme and variation are what makes choice easier, especially for travel. I think looking at Angie's wardrobe, although color rich has a tightly curated palate with the supporting accessories to bridge those colors. What would happen if you pulling everything blue/gray/white/lavender/silver? That may not be the direction that you want to go but I would think capsules and cohesion. But feel free to ignore me!!!

Mirabelle Blazer

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Suz

(website)

Veteran

I love that blazer, Gryffin, and wanted to buy it. I might yet do so. If my size is still available. I debated over it and felt it might be too close to a duplication of my Reiss. But probably not and anyway, to extend the life of the Reiss I need to add options. I remember your plan for doing that for much loved pieces. The Reiss is still great but there are some "bald" or shiny patches on the sleeves -- not terribly noticeable, but it's not pristine any more. Heaven knows I have worn it enough!

I also tend to agree with you regarding colour -- I'm pretty happy with my signature colours for the most part although scarves and accessories in other colours could work well.

Greycat, I sometimes wonder about olive. It's not good next to my face, as for you, but I do like it. I could experiment with bottoms and accessories.

LaPed, I agree -- footwear is key and since I tend to build outfits from the shoes up, I'm often stuck in spring like weather. I like the idea of a low heeled ankle strap pump.

jussie

Veteran

Suz,
Yes I know what you mean about blush being hit or miss.... same for me but mostly miss.... I didn't think you would be keen on the springy colours but I couldn't resist mentioning it as they are so fun :).
I like how Angie mentioned layering tops too, I agree they would be super handy for you. And print pants! Of course....
One of the frustrating things about transitional weather is that one does need to purchase extra items, such as light jackets.... kind of feels like a waste I know. And one has to learn how to dress all over again at every season change I find!
I like your wardrobe and I'm sure you will be looking as stylish as ever.

Bijou

Veteran

Your wardrobe looks like it is in a good state. I also find it hard to find good cropped knits that work under jackets. These are a HEWI for me too. I hope you find some great tops and items to refresh your wardrobe in Vancouver. I bought the navy and black Boden blazer and it is a great piece and is sufficiently different from a plain navy blazer. Adding a new colour is always a great way to change things up. Do you wear cobalt or turquoise?

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